Nutella & Orange White Chocolate Cups

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This past weekend was the perfect sneak peak into summer. The majority of my time was spent outside in our hammock, reading Harry Potter numero 5 while enjoying the warm breeze. We went to one of our favorite Thai restaurants (though I still have yet to find a Thai restaurant that even comes close to my favorite Thai food truck in Portland), and walked to the local Asian market for some authentic curry paste to use later in the week. We endured the overcrowded Lake Calhoun and kayaked around the Chain of Lakes. While on the water a mosquito landed on me and I was the most dramatic about it. If there are two things I hate about Midwest summers it is...

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Lemon Lavender White Chocolate Cups

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When life hands you lemons, you make yummy treats. That's how the saying goes right? ;) So this spring thing has continued to amaze and rejuvenate me. The warmer days have brought reading in the courtyard, running in shorts and a tank top (see ya later wool socks!), BBQ meals (bring me all da grilled veggies), open windows letting in the breezy air, small buds growing from the tree branches, and endless tulips in the stores. This past weekend, we celebrated Easter - suburban Minnesota style, and it was truly wonderful. My gracious coworker invited Alex and me to her home to celebrate Easter with her family. I single-handedly almost finished off the supply of Robin Eggs in their giant Easter candy basket, because somehow no one in their family likes that candy. But hey, I wasn't complaining! We played four-square in the backyard - yes, the game from elementary school you would play in the schoolyard. And we were introduced to some Minnesotan classic holiday dishes - my favorite being cheesy potatoes with baked corn flakes. When surrounded by folks who grew up in Minnesota, I can't help but think of Marshall from How I Met Your Mother. Someone on the writing staff must have grown up in Minnesota - because some of the things are just too accurate! 

I wanted to reflect this sense of rejuvenation and freshness in a recipe - and the best way I know how is with lemons. I paired the refreshing citrus tang and the bright yellow coloration with a hint of lavender, all coated in white chocolate. Because everything is better with chocolate, right? This recipe is easy to make and the perfect little treat. After making these in standard muffin pans, I HIGHLY recommend making yours in mini muffin pans. These larger ones got a little messy, so if you want a simple treat you can pop in your mouth, go with the mini muffin pans. 

LEMON LAVENDER WHITE CHOCOLATE CUPS

Prep time: 25 minutes
Wait time: 1 hour
Assembly time: 5-10 minutes

1.  Infuse together for 20 minutes:
               1 teaspoon lavender
               1/3 cup hot water

2.  Pour through a mesh strainer to remove the lavender.

3.  Transfer the lavender infused water to a medium saucepan and mix in:
               3/4 cup granulated sugar
               1/4 cup lemon juice
               1 Tablespoon cornstarch
               1 lemon, zest
               2 egg yolks
               Dash of salt

4.  Over medium heat, whisk constantly until the mixture begins to simmer and thickens. Cook for 30 more seconds, then remove from heat.

5.  Pour through a mesh strainer into a small bowl. (This will remove any cooked egg if present). Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing down so the plastic wrap is directly touching the surface of the curd. Refrigerate for at least an hour to continue thickening.

Assembly:

6.  Line a mini muffin pan with paper liners.

7.  Melt:
               15 oz white chocolate

8.  Spread 1 Tablespoon of the melted chocolate into the bottom of the paper liners, bringing the chocolate up the sides as well. Smack the muffin pan on the counter to smooth out the chocolate. Freeze for a couple minutes to harden the chocolate.

9.  Place a dollop of lemon lavender curd in the cups, and smooth over the chocolate. Cover the curd with the melted chocolate, spreading evenly. Freeze for 5 minutes to set, then store in the refrigerator. (There are no binding agents in the chocolate, so storing at room temperature will lead to melting).